By Richard Prow

This past week I watched a show about the life and career of Johnny Carson. What I found most interesting about the one-time host of the Tonight Show was a piece of information passed on by one of his producers on the show. He remarked that while Carson was one of the first to do political humor on television, no one knew where Carson stood politically. In all his years hosting the show Carson never once divulged his choice for President of the United States or any other public office.
Two reasons were given for Carsons’ stand of not making a stand. First, he felt that he possessed too much influence over his audience and he did not want to use that power to sway an election. Secondly, Carson believed that if he declared his political affiliation he would automatically alienate half of his audience.
Over the centuries the church has often flexed its political muscle. One edict from a pope or a fiery sermon from a prominent pastor can change the scope of an election faster than a good old fashioned sex scandal. The church and it’s leaders, however they may be defined, possess an enormous amount of control over their congregations. Thus the church and it’s leaders possess an enormous amount of control over politicians and their respective parties. The old saying about politics and strange bedfellows comes to mind.
Certainly the church is within her rights to declare a side on certain issues. And certainly members of the church have a responsibility to elect worthwhile leaders - if in fact any are offered. But have we gone too far, what with candidates being promoted from the pulpits and voter’s guides conveniently located in our vestibules. Have we, as Johnny Carson feared he might, erected a sound barrier over the ears and hearts of half of our intended audience?
Just like Johnny, Jesus never declared His affiliation with any political party. No instance of Christ making known His candidate of choice can be found in the pages of the Gospels. He never led a “Get out and vote” campaign. He never passed out bumper stickers. He never instructed His followers on whom they should support. The political realm was not a place for Him to set up His cot.
At least this latest round of elections is over in our country. It will be at least 2 more years for the campaign wagon to pull into our church parking lots again. And maybe since we’re not that busy stumping for our favorite candidate - a.k.a. the one who says he believes what we believe - we can find time to promote our God. It is not the mission of the church to get people to the polls. Our mission is to get people to Jesus (Matthew 28 19-20).